Chesney wins two ACM awards, including big one; Paisley, Rascal Flatts also take two

"This one is really extra special because long before I had a hit record the fans always came to my show, and I want to thank you guys for voting and being there for me," he said. This marked the first year that fans voted for the award.

Chesney also thanked his parents "for having sex so many years ago and being responsible for me being up here tonight. But seriously, a lot of great artists and people who mean a lot to this business have stood up here in years past, and I'm honored to be up here for the fourth year in a row. God bless y'all."

Chesney won two awards during the evening as did Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts.

Also repeating past wins were Carrie Underwood and Paisley as top female and male vocalists. Brooks & Dunn won best vocal duo for the 13th straight year. Rascal Flatts took home best vocal group along with the humanitarian award.

"I really want to say that the reason I'm in country music is my grandfather made me listen to Buck Owens when I was four years old," said Paisley.

Sugarland won best single and song for "Stay," produced by Kristian Bush, Byron Gallimore and Jennifer Nettles. Bush and Nettles are Sugarland. "It means so much to me that you guys really relate to this song and that you accept it," said Nettles in accepting the award.

Miranda Lambert took home best album for "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" p produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke.

Chesney won one other award during the 43rd annual event, vocal event of the year for "Find Out Who Your Friends Are," a song performed by Tracy Lawrence with Tim McGraw and Chesney, produced by Julian King and Lawrence.

Paisley also won video of the year for "Online," produced by Frames Per Second and directed by actor Jason Alexander.

In the new artist categories, Jack Ingram, a veteran singer, won on the male side. Taylor Swift took the female category, while new trio Lady Antebellum, which only released its debut one month ago, won the group award.

Garth Brooks was honored with the Crystal Milestone Award and also performed "Thunder Rolls" along with a medley of "Callin' Baton Rouge," "Friends in Low Places, "We Shall Be Free," "The Dance" and Good Ride, Cowboy." Wife Trisha Yearwood joined Brooks for "In Another's Eyes," and t hen Brooks finished with "Ain't Going Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)."

Reba McEntire hosted the show.